British tourist, 56, dies in 20ft fall from Canary Islands balcony 'after railings broke'

The balcony's protective railing is said to have "collapsed".

While the first man, 56, died at the scene, a second British tourist sustained severe injuries in the accident and remains in a critical state.

Spain's Civil Guard has launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with particular focus on whether inadequate upkeep or safety measures played a role in the death.

The victims, identified as men aged 56 and 54, fell at approximately 1:30am.

That was when emergency responders were alerted to the scene.

Medical teams arriving at the location confirmed that the 56-year-old had died from his injuries in the fall.

The 54-year-old survivor received immediate medical attention before being transported to the intensive care unit at Doctor Jose Molina Orosa Hospital.

Hospital staff report that he continues to receive treatment for life-threatening injuries, according to local media.

The incident has deeply affected the popular tourist destination, where visitors typically expect safe standards in hotels and flats.

Initial reports indicate the compromised barrier was situated in an upper section of the hotel premises, though authorities have not disclosed the establishment's name.

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The connection between the two British nationals involved remains unclear at this stage of the investigation.

UK tourists falling from balconies has become the subject of sick mockery in Spain.

Locals have branded the accidents a sport, "balconing".

In Majorca, a twisted social media page was set up specifically to mock the deaths of tourists who have died falling from balconies.

In it, Spaniards maintain a league table of nations showing how many people from each country have died or been hurt while "balconing".

Spain has emerged as a hotbed of anti-tourist sentiment, with protests breaking out across the last few summers against visitors, who bring huge economic benefits to resort towns.

At the end of this summer, joy broke out in Spain after tourist protests forced Britons away.

The next month, Majorcan businesses pleaded with British tourists to come back because the locals "missed" their money.